The term “Endoscopy” refers to a special technique for looking
inside a part of the body. “Upper GI” is the portion of the gastrointestinal
tract that includes the esophagus, the
stomach, and the duodenum which is the beginning of the small intestine.The
esophagus carries food from the mouth for digestion in the stomach
and small intestine.
EGD is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist,
a well-trained specialist who uses the endoscope to diagnose
and, in some cases, treat problems of the upper digestive system.

The endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera
and light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the
endoscope, the gastroenterologist can safely guide the instrument to
carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system.
The high-quality picture from the endoscope is shown on a
TV monitor; it gives a clear, detailed view. In many cases, EGD is a more precise examination than X-ray studies.
EGD can be helpful in the evaluation or diagnosis
of various problems, including difficult or painful swallowing, abdominal pain, bleeding ulcers and tumors. Tiny
instruments
can be passed through an opening in the endoscope to
obtain tissue samples, coagulate (stop) bleeding sites, dilate or stretch
a narrowed area, or perform other treatments.

Before the Procedure

Regardless of why upper GI endoscopy has been recommended
for you, there are important steps you can take to prepare for and
participate in the procedure.

Talk to Your Doctor
First, be sure to give a complete list of all the medicines you are
taking—including any over-the-counter medications and natural
supplements — and any allergies to drugs or other substances.
Your medical team will also want to know if you have heart, lung or
other medical conditions that may need special attention before,
during or after an EGD. It is important they know if
you are taking diabetic medications or anticoagulants (blood thinners) or have bleeding or clotting problems.